Senegalese striker Aliou Badji has expressed his pleasure at joining Egyptian giants Ahly, describing it as a good step on the way to join his dream team, Chelsea, as well as to book a regular place onthe Senegal national team.

On Wednesday, Ahly announced the signing of Badjifrom Austria's Rapid Vienna for four-and-a-half seasons, starting from the ongoing winter transfer window

"I am concentrating with Ahly and I hope to achieve all the trophies with the team, but my dream is to wear Chelsea's jersey one day, or play for one of the European top-flights like Barcelona or Real Madrid," Badji told Ahly's official website after the deal was announced.

"English Premier League team Chelsea is my preferred team since I was a child," the striker added.

The 22-year-oldsaid that he will do his best to score more goals with Ahlyand win more trophies, especially the CAF Champions League, as it's the most important title for the team's fans and for all the players.

"I hope playing for Ahly will help me to join Senegal’s senior national team squad during their participation in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations," he said.

"I am looking forward to improving with Ahly, as it will be my way to book a regular place on the Senegal squad.”

Badji played for the Senegalese national team in the U-20 World Cup 2017 and the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations 2017. He made five appearances, scoring only one goal.

He also praised the performance of his countryman, Liverpool star Sadio Mane, who recently claimed the title of best African player of the year for 2019.

"Mane is a talented player and it’s honour for Senegal to have player like him," he said.

"I am always in contact with Mane via social media platforms and I will inform him that I preferred to join Ahly despite having more offers," Badji said.

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